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The following largely unconfirmed records have been published for information only in the Bulletins of the African Bird Club. Some records were first published in Dutch Birding and Birding World.

from ABC Bulletin 26.1

In the period May–December 2018, five species were reported for the first time in the archipelago: Bufflehead Bucephala albeola (one photographed on Sal on 17 November), Great (Eurasian) Bittern Botaurus stellaris (one photographed on Santiago on 28 October), Wryneck Jynx torquilla (one photographed on Sal on 24 September), Bluethroat Luscinia svecica (one near Santa Maria, Sal, on 2 October) and Isabelline Wheatear Oenanthe isabellina (one photographed on Sal on 29 September) (per www.hbw.com/news/ first-country-reports and Dutch Birding 40: 341, 408 & 419). Other records of interest include the following. Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris were observed at Rocha Gambeza (between Povoçao Velha and Praia do Santa Monica) and Estancia de Baixo, Boavista, in November (AR).

Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto continues to spread and was noted at Praia de Chave and Sal Rei, Boavista (AR), and Santa Maria das Dores, Sal (NA) in November. The fourth Plain Swift Apus unicolor for the islands was photographed on Sal on 24 May. In early June, two Red-footed Boobies Sula sula were seen on Raso (per Dutch Birding 40: 256–259). Northern Lapwings Vanellus vanellus were observed at Praia de Chave, Boavista, on 11 November (two; AR) and at Ribeiro da Madama lagoon, Sal, on 2 December (one; NA). A Common Redshank Tringa totanus was at Rabil Lagoon, Boavista, on 9 November (AR).

from ABC Bulletin 25.1

In the period June–November 2017, three species new to the Cape Verdes were reported (all photographed): a juvenile Ascension Frigatebird Fregata aquila at Curral Velho islet, Boavista, on 26–27 June, a Longtailed Cormorant Microcarbo africanus at Pedra Badejo, Santiago, on 17 November and a Eurasian Dotterel Eudromias morinellus at Bondeira, Fogo, on 8 November. Second records for the archipelago included a White-winged Tern Chlidonias leucopterus, photographed at Tarrafal, Santiago, on 17 November—the first was also on Santiago, on 29–31 December 2011 (per www.hbw.com/news/firstcountry-reports) and a Stilt Sandpiper Calidris himantopus on Santiago on 8 October (per Dutch Birding 39: 398)—the first was on Boa Vista on 4 March (documented in this issue).

Three Red-footed Boobies Sula sula were present on Curral Velho on 11–22 June, whilst a record number of c.40, mostly immatures, stayed off Raso from late August to October. An adult Masked Booby S. dactylatra on Curral Velho on 26–27 June was the fourth for the archipelago, whilst an adult Blackheaded Heron Ardea melanocephala photographed on Santiago on 12 October was the third and an immature reported at Rabil lagoon, Boa Vista, on 14 December the fourth, if accepted. A Black Heron Egretta ardesiaca was noted at Pedra Badejo, Santiago, on 17 November. A first-year Semipalmated Plover Charadrius semipalmatus was seen on São Vicente on 2 October and a Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes on Santiago on 8 October. If accepted, a Hudsonian Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus hudsonicus photographed at Praia beach, Santiago, on 4 December will be the third for the archipelago. An adult Sabine’s Gull Xema sabini found exhausted at Boa Esperança, Boa Vista, on 5 May was the fourth for the archipelago, whilst the second Sooty Tern Onychoprion fuscatus was seen on Raso on 13 June; the first, also on Raso, in March, may have been the same individual (per Dutch Birding 39: 258–260, 394–398 & 40: 48–50).

In November 2017, the following were reported from Sal: four Common Teals Anas crecca at Murdeira wetlands on 15th, two Western Reef Egrets Egretta gularis, among them a white morph, at Baia de Parda on 13th, a Red Knot Calidris canutus on 14th and a Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus on 16th at Santa Maria saltpans, eight Black-tailed Godwits Limosa limosa at Murdeira wetlands on 15th, a Little Tern Sternula albifrons, a Sandwich Tern Thalasseus sandvicensis and two European Turtle Doves Streptopelia turtur at Santa Maria on 10th and an Alpine Swift Tachymarptis melba at Terra Boa on 13th (AR).

from ABC Bulletin 24.2

In the period January–April 2017, no fewer than seven species new to the Cape Verdes were reported. A Stilt Sandpiper Calidris himantopus photographed at Riu Touareg lagoon, Boa Vista, on 4 March (EA) is not only the first for the archipelago, but also for sub-Saharan Africa and only the second for the African continent (the only other being from Morocco, in 1996)—details will be published in the next issue of Bull. ABC. Other firsts included a Blackcapped Petrel Pterodroma hasitata at Punta El Barril, São Nicolau, on 11 March (DL-V), a female Gadwall Mareca strepera at Barragem de Poilão, Santiago, on 8 January, with an Allen’s Gallinule Porphyrio alleni also there on 13 February (per www. hbw.com/news/first-country-reports), an adult Sooty Tern Onychoprion fuscatus on Raso on 8–9 March (EA), eight Thick-billed Larks Ramphocoris clotbey at Terra Boa, Sal, on 2 March, and a Rosy Starling Pastor roseus at Santa Maria, Sal, on 25 April (per www.hbw.com/news/ first-country-reports).

Other reports from the period include the following. Two female Magnificent Frigatebirds Fregata magnificens were seen on Boavista on 5 January, with one there on 18 February (per Dutch Birding 39: 124). Up to 11 Red-footed Boobies Sula sula were present on Raso in November 2016, with an adult also there on 2 April, whilst three immatures were observed on 10 January from a boat north of the Cape Verde Islands (per Dutch Birding 39: 50, 205). A male Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus and a female at Barragem de Poilão, Santiago, on 10 March, were the sixth record for the archipelago (EA), whilst a Black Heron Egretta ardesiaca photographed at Tarrafal, São Nicolau, on 10 March, was the tenth (per Dutch Birding 39: 124). Four Glossy Ibises Plegadis falcinellus were at Barragem de Poilão, Santiago, on 4–10 March, with another two at Achada Fazenda lagoon and Pedra Badejo lagoon, Santiago, on 10 March (EA). The third Jack Snipe Lymnocryptes minimus for the archipelago remained at Pedra Badejo lagoon, Santiago, from c.20 February to c.20 March (EA, HB). A Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularius was at Achada Fazenda lagoon, Santiago, on 10 March (EA). The third Roseate Tern Sterna dougallii for the islands stayed at Tarrafal de São Nicolau on 7–11 March (EA & DL-V), whilst another at Praia, Santiago, on 11 March, was the fourth (EA). A Montagu’s Harrier Circus pygargus on Branco on 9 March was the eighth record for the Cape Verdes (EA), three Namaqua Doves Oena capensis at Pedra Badejo, Santiago, on 27 February were the fourth record (singles were seen in 1995, 2006 and 2016) and an African Desert Warbler Sylvia deserti at Santa Maria, Sal, on 16 March, the third (previous ones were in 1924 and 2012) (per Dutch Birding 39: 118–128).

The Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus photographed near Maio airport on 5 September 2016, was not the first record for the Cape Verdes, as erroneously stated in the previous Recent Reports (Bull. ABC 24: 102), but the fifth: Hazevoet (1995. The Birds of the Cape Verde Islands) mentions four previous records, the last dating from 1986, and there appears to have been no subsequent records until now (per RB).

from ABC Bulletin 24.1

Records from September–November 2016 include the following. The first Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus for the Cape Verde Islands was photographed near Maio airport on 5 September (Fig. 6; JP per KH), with another three weeks later, at Sal cemetery, on 27–29 September (JT per KH). The fourth Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris for the archipelago was found on Maio on 14 October (per Dutch Birding 38: 465).

In November, the following were reported from Sal: a Bulwer’s Petrel Bulweria bulwerii off Santa Maria on 4th, with a first-winter Sandwich Tern Thalasseus sandvicensis also there on 7th; seven Eurasian Spoonbills Platalea leucorodia at Murdeira wetlands, on 6th–10th; a Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus at Pedra de Lume saltpans on 6th (Fig. 7; there is just one previous record for Sal, at the same site, in March 2003); two Wood Sandpipers T. glareola at Santa Maria saltpans on 9th–10th (Fig. 8; second record for Sal, after one at Ribeira da Madama in October 1998), with a Common Redshank T. totanus also there on 8th–10th and a Ruff Calidris pugnax on 10th; and a White Wagtail Motacilla alba at Buracona on 6th (AR).

from ABC Bulletin 23.2

Records from December 2015–April 2016 include the following. Two species were reported for the first time in the archipelago, both from Santa Maria, Sal: Eurasian Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus (two second calendar-year males on 25 April) and Sudan Golden Sparrow Passer luteus (a male on 23 March). A Desert Grey Shrike Lanius meridionalis elegans at Lecacão, Boa Vista, on 18 December was the second for the islands.

A female Namaqua Dove Oena capensis was observed at Pedra Badejo, Santiago, on 20 March. Up to two Black Herons Egretta ardesiaca and up to four Intermediate Egrets Ardea intermedia remained on Santiago from 19 December through March. A Black-headed Heron A. melanocephala was noted on Boa Vista on 2 April. A Swinhoe’s Storm-petrel Oceanodroma monorhis was reported north of the archipelago in late April. In spring 2016, just two female Magnificent Frigatebirds Fregata magnificens were seen on Boa Vista, constituting a further decline from 10–12 pairs in 1965, five pairs in 1992 and two pairs in 2006. Red-footed Boobies Sula sula were photographed on Ilhéu de Curral Velho, Boa Vista, on 26 February (a subadult) and on Raso on 19 April (an adult) and 29 April (two adults). Noteworthy waders included a Hudsonian Whimbrel Numenius (phaeopus) hudsonicus at Praia, Santiago, on 24 April; six Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes at Santa Maria, Sal, on 10 February; and a Solitary Sandpiper T. solitaria, a Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularius and an American Golden Plover Pluvialis dominica at Barragem de Poilão, Santiago, on 23 March (per Dutch Birding 38: 105–115, 186, 245–253).

Records from November 2014 - February 2015 include the following. The last two Magnificent Frigatebirds Fregata magnificens on the islands were still on Boavista in January. Fea’s Petrel Pterodroma feae has been shown to breed on Santiago. Eleven Eurasian Spoonbills Platalea leucorodia were photographed at Rabil Lagoon, Boavista, on 11 November 2014; there are now >35 records for the archipelago. A Least Sandpiper Calidris minutilla was photographed on Sal on 21 January, with another on Boavista on 11 February; there are six previous records, from Sal, Boavista and São Vicente (two on each island). A Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa stayed on Sal in January; this is apparently the 16th record for the islands. A first-winter Mediterranean Gull Ichthyaetus melanocephalus photographed on Sal on 13 January appears to be the first for the archipelago. Two Short-eared Owls Asio flammeus were present on Sal in January; there are now 11 records for the Cape Verdes, of which four have been on Sal.

From ABC Bulletin 22.1

Noteworthy documented records from 2014 up to November have been published in Hazevoet, C. J. 2014. Eighth report on birds from the Cape Verde Islands, including records of nine taxa new to the archipelago. Zool. Caboverdiana 5: 29–56 (freely downloadable at the Sociedade Caboverdiana de Zoologia website www.scvz.org); see also Africa Round-up in this issue. An additional record is that of a European Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia observed at Rabil Lagoon, Boavista, on 7–8 November, which was ringed as a pullus in the Camargue, southern France, on 30 May 2013).

from ABC Bulletin 21.2

The first Black Stork Ciconia nigra for the archipelago was an immature photographed near the airport of Boavista on 21 December 2013. An Intermediate Heron Egretta intermedia and two Black Herons E. ardesiaca were still present at Barragem de Poilão, Santiago, in March 2014; they were first observed here in March 2011.

from ABC Bulletin 20.2

The following reports are from the period November 2012 - April 2013. Cape Verde Storm-petrels Oceanodroma castro jabejabe were sound-recorded at Fontainhas, Santo Antao, on 27 - 30 November and (one) at Boca de Ambas as Ribeiras, c.3 km inland, on 2 December; breeding is not known from Santo Antao although the species has been reported in the past. A Masked Booby Sula dactylatra was seen on Curral Velho off Boavista on 13 December, and an adult Red-footed Booby S. sula on Razo on 14 March. At Barragem de Poilao, Santiago, the following were present: a male Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus on 4 - 20 March (fourth record), a Black Heron Egretta ardesiaca and an Intermediate Egret E. intermedia until at least 22 April, three dark-morph Western Reef Egrets E. gularis and a Great Egret Ardea alba, from 4 March until at least 22 March, two adult and ten immature Cape Verde Purple (Bourne's) Herons A. purpurea boumei on 4 March, a Ring-necked Duck Aythya collaris on 4 - 5 March and four Blue-winged Teals Anas discors on 4 - 22 March. A Western Reef Egret was also at Ribeira Grande, Santo Antao, from 28 November until 1 December. A male Northern Pintail Anas acuta was photographed on Santo Antao on 28 November.

Two adult and two immature Egyptian Vultures Neophron percnopterus near Tarrafal, Santo Antao, in late November may be the last individuals for the Cape Verdes. Five to seven Cape Verde Buzzards Buteo (rufinus) bannermani, including a leucistic male, were observed in the northern mountains of Santo Antao. The fourth Spotted Crake Porzana porzana for the archipelago was at Barragem de Polao on 4 - 5 March. Two Semipalmated Plovers Charadrius semipalmatus were discovered at Mindelo, Sao Vicente, on 3 December. Single American Golden Plovers Pluvialis dominica were reported from Ponta do Sol, Santo Antao, on 28 - 30 November and Lacacao, Boavista, on 7 - 8 March. Also present at the latter site were two Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes, with three there on 23rd - 25th, and singles at Santa Maria, Sal, on 13 March and at Pedra Badejo, Santiago, on 20th-22nd. A Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularius was at Pedra Badejo on 21 - 22 March. A Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia was at Rabil lagoon, Boavista, on 3 March. Six Eurasian Collared Doves Streptopelia decaocto (one singing) were at Fazenda Achada, Santiago, on 5 March; the species was first recorded on Sal, in 2006, and subsequently on Sao Nicolau, in 2008; since then it has become locally common on Santiago. A Yellow-browed Warbler Phylloscopus inornatus discovered on Santiago on 11 March may be the first for the Cape Verdes.

from ABC Bulletin 20.1

A white-morph Red-footed Booby Sula sula was photographed on Raso on 9 October 2012; there are six previous records from Cape Verdean seas. Records from December 2012 included the following. Two species were recorded for the first time in the archipelago, both at Mindelo sewage works, São Vicente: White Stork Ciconia ciconia (one on 20th–21st) and Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida (one on 20th–30th). The second European Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria for the Cape Verdes was also there on 29th–30th.

On Santiago, c.50 Fea’s Petrels Pterodroma feae were attracted to hotel lights at Rui Vaz in the central mountains on 7th. Single Great Egrets Egretta alba were seen at Casa Velhas, Maio, on 10th (fifth record) and at Mindelo sewage works, São Vicente, on 29th–30th. Vagrant ducks on Santiago included several Northern Pintails Anas acuta at Pedro Badejo lagoons on 9th (sixth record), with two also at Mindelo sewage works, São Vicente; and four Blue-winged Teals A. discors (fifth record), two Northern Shovelers A. clypeata (fifth record) and five Ring-necked Ducks Aythya collaris at Barragem de Poilão on 8th (fifth record). On Sal, an American Golden Plover Pluvialis dominica was found at Santa Maria sewage works on 6th (14th record), whilst on Maio, a Temminck’s Stint Calidris temminckii was at Ribeira Dom Joao on 11th (sixth record), with a Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes also there (16th record) and three more at Mindelo sewage works, São Vicente, on 20th–21st. Also at Mindelo sewage works on the same dates were two Spotted Sandpipers Actitis macularius (tenth record) and a Red-rumped Swallow Cecropis daurica (17th record), with two European Bee-eaters Merops apiaster there on 29th–30th (eighth record).

São Nicolau

A Sooty Shearwater Puffinus griseus and an Oceanodroma storm-petrel were photographed at sea between Raso and São Nicolau on 24 March 2009; the latter was subsequently confirmed to be a Leach’s Storm-petrel O leucorhoa.

A third-winter Audouin’s Gull Larus audouinii, observed on 5 January 2008 past Juncalinho, may be the first for the islands.

The sixth Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides for the Cape Verdes was found at Ribeira Brava on 27 September 2006. On 18th October 2006, a Cape Verde Peregrine Falco peregrinus madens was seen on the flanks of the Monte Gordo, the highest mountain of São Nicolau.

Sal

A Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola seen at Santa Maria on 7–10 January 2008 was presumed to be the bird first seen in late October 2007 and the second for the archipelago; a male was found at the same locality on 1 March 2008, with a female reported there a week previously.

Red-throated Pipits Anthus cervinus were reported from Santa Maria on 7–10 January 2008 (two) and 1 March 2008 (two). A Rock Martin Ptyonoprogne fuligula observed at the Fontana Oasis on 8 January 2008 was apparently the first for the islands.

A Song Thrush Turdus philomelos was discovered at Espargos on 24 February 2008. The first Baird’s Sandpiper Calidris bairdii for the Cape Verdes was found at Santa Maria on 20–22 October 2007.

Boavista

On 1 March, a Least Sandpiper Calidris minutilla was at Curral Velho, Boavista, from 30 March to at least 8 April 2012.

On Boavista 2011, in October, a white-morph Western Reef Egret Egretta gularis was reported from Rabil lagoon on 6th–7th, with a dark morph at Praia de Ervatão on 10th. Other claims from the same island involved an Intermediate Egret and a White-rumped Sandpiper Calidris fuscicollis also at Praia de Ervatão on 10th, a Gull-billed Tern Sterna nilotica and three Little Terns S. albifrons at Rabil lagoon on 12th–13th, a Sandwich Tern S. sandvicensis south of Sal Rei on 8th, a Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus at Curral de Velho on 10th, and a female Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca at Rabil lagoon on 12th. Also at Rabil lagoon, a Eurasian Coot Fulica atra was observed on 25 November

On 26 March 2009, a male and two female Magnificent Frigatebirds Fregata magnificens were at Curral Velho and an adult male Western Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus flew over the same location. Two male Magnificent Frigatebirds were present there on 2 March 2008. A Temminck’s Stint Calidris temminckii was seen at Rabil lagoon on 2–3 March 2008.

In 2007, two Great Cormorants Phalacrocorax carbo lucidus were photographed on 28 March. A Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax was at Rabil Lagoon and Squacco Herons Ardeola ralloides were at Manuel da Luz dam on 5 April. Dark-morph Western Reef Egrets E. gularis were at Rabil Lagoon on 10 March. Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus successfully raised young in March–April. Photographs of the second Slender-billed Gull Larus genei for the Cape Verdes were taken at Boca de Salina on 15 February whilst a Namaqua Dove Oena capensis was photographed at Farol de Varandinha on 2 December. The first Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola for the Cape Verdes was photographed on 11 April.

Santiago

On Santiago, up to two Black Herons Egretta ardesiaca, present since early 2011, and an Intermediate Egret E. intermedia were still present at Barragem de Poilão in early April 2012. At the same site, the first Mallard Anas platyrhynchos for the archipelago, a female, was seen on 29 December 2011, whilst a Blue-winged Teal A. discors was also there on 1 March. The second Spotted Crake Porzana porzana for the Cape Verdes was photographed on Santiago on 4 March 2012. Still on Santiago, a Eurasian Coot Fulica atra was at Barragem de Poilão on 26 December 2011, and a first-winter White-winged Tern Chlidonias leucopterus on 29 - 31 December 2011. A Eurasian Woodcock Scolopax rusticola, claimed from Pedra Badejo, Santiago, on 31 December would be the first for the islands. Also on Santiago, single Spotted Sandpipers Actitis macularius were observed on 31 December 2011 and 21 March 2012.

On Santiago, a Dwarf Bittern Ixobrychus sturmii, five Intermediate Egrets Egretta intermedia, one Purple Heron Ardea purpurea and 18 adult and juvenile Bourne’s (Cape Verde Purple) Herons A. (purpurea) bournei were present at Barragem de Poilão on 12 June 2011; at least one Black Heron E. ardesiaca, first recorded at the same site in March, was still there on 30 December. At least six Eurasian Collared Doves Streptopelia decaocto were also seen on the same island.

Rare herons at Barragem de Poilão, Santiago, from 21 March into May 2011 included two Black Herons Egretta ardesiaca, up to three Intermediate Egrets E. intermedia and a Black-headed Heron Ardea melanocephala; the latter has probably been present since March 2009.

A White-tailed Tropicbird Phaethon lepturus photographed off Santiago on 3 May 2011 was the second for the Cape Verdes; the first was in February 1999. A Western Reef Egret Egretta gularis was photographed on a beach near Porto Formosa, Santiago, on 1 May.

A male and eight first-winter / female Ring-necked Ducks Aythya collaris were at Barragem de Poilao, Santiago, from 25 February 2010 until at least 5 March.

In 2009, two Squacco Herons Ardeola ralloides were at Barragem de Poilão on 21 March. On the same day, the first Black-headed Heron Ardea melanocephala for the islands, an immature, was photographed at Barragem de Poilão and was seen again in April. At Praia, a male Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe was observed on 21 March. An immature American Purple Gallinule Porphyrio martinica claimed from Liberão on 26 February was still present on 18 March; this would be the first for the archipelago, if accepted.

In 2008, a Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus was seen at Barragem de Poilão on 25–26 February. Two adult Little Ringed Plovers Charadrius dubius were at Barragem de Poilão, Santiago, on 26 February.

In 2007, records from Barragem da Seca on 15–17 December include seven Black-crowned Night Herons Nycticorax nycticorax, seven Eurasian Spoonbills Platalea leucorodia, five Common Anas crecca or Green-winged Teals A. (crecca) carolinensis (fewer than ten records of either species), a Blue-winged Teal A. discors (second record), and a femaleNorthern Shoveler A. clypeata (apparently the first for the islands). A Jack Snipe Lymnocryptes minimus at Barragem da Seca on 15–17 December, with a Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes also there on 16–17 December.

A Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo lucidus was at Barragem de Poilão, near Banana from 3 March into April are among the very few reports of any cormorant in the Cape Verdes. An Intermediate Egret Egretta intermedia was at Praia harbour on 28 and 30 March. Other rare herons for the Cape Verdes included an immature male Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus at Barragem de Poilão on 22 March. Six Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia, including two ringed in the Netherlands, were at Barragem de Poilão in March.

Up to five Cape Verde Buzzards Buteo (buteo) bannermani were at São Jorge dos Orgãos on 27 March and one was there together with an adult Cape Verde Peregrine Falco peregrinus madens on 29 March. An adult pale-morph Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus was watched in display-flight at Boa Entrada on 21 March. A Spotted Crake Porzana porzana was at Barragem de Poilão on 21 - 22 March.

A Wilson’s Snipe Gallinago (gallinago) delicata was identified at Barragem de Poilão on 26 - 30 March; from 3 March, two Common Snipe G. gallinago were also here. Two Green Sandpipers Tringa ochropus were reported on 3 - 4 March. The first European Robin Erithacus rubecula for the islands was at Jardim Botánico, São Jorge dos Orgãos, on 4 February.

In 2006, as well as the Spur-winged Lapwing Vanellus spinosus previously reported, a European Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria was at Tarrafal on 4 March; both records might represent firsts for the islands. At least 21 Cape Verde Purple Herons Ardea (purpurea) bournei, including eight adults, three subadults and ten juveniles, were present in the large mahogany tree at Banana, Ribeira da Montanha, the world’s only colony of this taxon, on 15th October. There were at least seven active nests, with two still occupied by incubating adults.

A Cape Verde Buzzard Buteo (buteo) bannermani was soaring with three Brown-necked Ravens Corvus ruficollis in the Serra do Pico da Antónia, just south of Assomada. A Semipalmated Plover Charadrius semipalmatus, photographed south of Tarrafal on 17th October, constitutes the fifth record for the Cape Verdes. A single Common Swift Apus apus was hunting over the arid plains east of Praia on 14th October.

A Cape Verde Warbler Acrocephalus brevipennis was singing in an irrigated agricultural area south of Tarrafal on 17th October; this is the first record in the north of the island.

Brava

In September 2008, a presumed intermediate morph Herald (Trindade) Petrel Pterodroma arminjoniana was videotaped off Brava.

Raso

The second African Desert Warbler Sylvia deserti for the islands was photographed on Raso on 28 February 2012.

In 2007, a Black Heron Egretta ardesiaca was on Raso on 6 March (the second for the archipelago) and ‘ringtail’ Montagu's Harrier C. pygargus on 24 March. An estimated 100 - 130 Raso Larks Alauda razae were present on 20 - 23 March 2007.

In 2006, a Western Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus was observed on 28 December. Relatively high number of Madeiran Storm-petrels Oceanodroma castro was present where many dozens could be seen and heard every night; the species is considered scarce on the islet nowadays. The once flourishing Brown Booby Sula leucogaster colony (c.125 pairs in 1986–92) has decreased dramatically: no more than 40 were counted around the main colony. A Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis was hunting insects each morning and afternoon close to the landing spot; the species is rare on Raso. The 11th American Golden Plover Pluvialis dominica for the islands stayed briefly on 21st October. During a survey of more than half of the suitable habitat, 60 Raso Larks Alauda razae were counted on 20th–23rd October. Three nests were found of which one contained an egg; no fledglings or juveniles were seen. Three Barn Swallows Hirundo rustica were present each day on the south-east side of the islet.

São Vicente

On 1 March 2012, a Semipalmated Plover Charadrius semipalmatus was observed at Mindelo, São Vicente.

The third Black Heron Egretta ardesiaca for the Cape Verdes was photographed at Ribeira da Vinha, São Vicente, in February 2010.

In 2007, six Northern Shovelers Anas clypeata were found at Mindelo sewage farm with two Ring-necked Ducks Aythya collaris on 18–20 December. Interesting waders included a Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius at Mindelo sewage farm on 18 December. A White-rumped Sandpiper C. fuscicollis and Jack Snipe Lymnocryptes minimus were seen at Mindelo sewage farm in December.

A Red-throated Pipit Anthus cervinus was reported from Mindelo sewage farm from 18 December until 2 January 2008. Also there were two Red- rumped Swallows Cecropis daurica on 19 December, a Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris on 31 December, a single Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia on 26 March, a male Common Teal Anas crecca on 1 - 2 January, two American Golden Plovers Pluvialis dominica on 1 - 2 January and three on 1 - 25 February at least, two Little Ringed Plovers Charadrius dubius on 16 February, a Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes on 1 - 2 January and 1 February and a Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularius and a White Wagtail M. alba on the same date.

A European Bee-eater Merops apiaster was at Mindelo sewage ponds on 2 January; this is apparently only the third recent report for the archipelago and the first for São Vicente, the previous being on Sal in May 1997 and Boavista in May 1999.

Fogo

Several Red-footed Boobies Sula sula were reported in Cape Verdean waters: two immatures south of the archipelago on 27 April 2010, two immatures while at anchor off Fogo on 28 April and another immature at sea off the same island on the same day.

A Greater Hoopoe Lark Alaemon alaudipes was seen at Santa Maria saltpans, Sal, on 15 March; the species is not known as a breeder on Boavista and Maio only, as stated in previously, but also on Sal, where the first unequivocal evidence of breeding was found in 1998, when an adult feeding two young in the nest was observed on 27 October (Hazevoet 1999, Bull. zool. Mus. Univ. Amsterdam 17: 19–32), following sightings in the dunes of Santa Maria from 1995 onwards. A small population has now apparently become established on the island (Hazevoet 1999; Barone Tosco et al. 2000, Makaronesia 2: 43–55). Two to four Common Whitethroats Sylvia communis were observed on Boavista, during 2-10 March; these are apparently the first for the archipelago. In March, Iago Sparrows Passer iagoensis were found to be common on Sal.

Records from October-November 2005 include the following. The first Snowy Egret Egretta thula for the archipelago was at the sewage ponds near Mindelo, São Vicente, on 1-3 November. On 31 October, 46 Cape Verde Purple Herons Ardea (purpurea) bournei, including 26 juveniles, were counted at this species’ only nesting tree at Liberoa, Santiago. Also on Santiago, a Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus was seen on 30 October. A first-winter Semipalmated Plover Charadrius semipalmatus was found at Tarrafal, Santiago, on 30 October. Other vagrant waders at the sewage ponds of Mindelo, São Vicente, on 1-3 November, included a first-winter Semipalmated Plover, an American Golden Plover Pluvialis dominica, three Semipalmated Sandpipers Calidris pusilla, three White-rumped Sandpipers C. fuscicollis, a Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus and a Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularius. At Praia, Santiago, a White-rumped Sandpiper and a Spotted Sandpiper were seen on 31 October, with another White-rumped Sandpiper at Santa Maria, Sal, on 5 November.

The captive Barn Owl Tyto alba taken as a chick on Maio in 2004 was not the first for the island, as erroneously stated in a previous Recent Reports: the first published record was indeed made in October 2000, but breeding had already been recorded in March that year by another observer and was eventually published. Two Greater Hoopoe-Larks Alaemon alaudipes were discovered on Sal on 5 November; the species is only known as a breeder on Boavista and Maio.

In December 2004-January 2005 five species were added to the archipelago list. A male Eurasian WigeonAnas penelope and a pair of American WigeonA. americana were at Casas Velhas, Maio, on 31 December. Male Green-winged Teal A. (crecca) carolinensis were observed at Mindelo sewage works, São Vicente, from 18 December to 13 January at least (one) and Pedro Badejo, Santiago, on 4 January (two). Also at Mindelo, São Vicente, a Spotted Crake Porzana porzana was sighted on 13 January. The first White-crowned Black Wheatear Oenanthe leucopyga for the islands was a first-winter at Fort Real near Cidade Velha, Santiago, on 16 January.

Other records from the same period include the following. A total of 278 Fea's PetrelsPterodroma feae was seen flying east past Ponta do Sol, Santo Antão, in two hours on 26 December. A male Magnificent FrigatebirdFregata magnificens was at Ilhéu de Curral Velho, Boavista, on 10 January, with a male and a female there on 12th. A dark-morph Western Reef HeronEgretta gularis was at Ribeira Grande, Santo Antão, on 26 December, with a pale morph at Praia, Santiago, from 28th until 5 January at least. Two unringed first-winter Eurasian SpoonbillsPlatalea leucorodia were at Mindelo, São Vicente, on 17-18 December, whilst a colour-ringed first-winter was at Praia, Santiago, on 16 January. Interesting duck records included a Northern PintailAnas acuta at Calheta, Maio, on 30 December (second record), a Tufted DuckAythya fuligula at Pedro Badejo, Santiago, on 4 January (third record), and a Lesser Scaup A. affinis at Mindelo, São Vicente, on 13 January (second record). On Maio, an immature Montagu's Harrier Circus pygargus at Morrinho on 30 December would be the second record if accepted; there are five records of unidentified C. pygargus / macrourus.

At Morrinho, Maio, an American Golden PloverPluvialis dominica was seen on 18-21 December and five Common SnipeGallinago gallinago on 18th. Other wader records included a Spotted RedshankTringa erythropus at Ribeira dom João, Maio, on 31 December, a Solitary Sandpiper T. solitaria at Mindelo sewage works, São Vicente, from 17 December until 13 January at least (and again on 15-16 April; second record), and a Green SandpiperT. ochropus at Morrinho, Maio, on 17-28 December. A first-winter Slender-billed GullLarus genei at Feijoal Lagoa, Sal, on 12 January, and a first-winter Ring-billed GullL. delawarensis at Mindelo, São Vicente, on 17-28 December, were both second records. Two Gull-billed TernsSterna nilotica were seen at Calheta, Maio, on 30 December-2 January (second record), whilst a Caspian TernSterna caspia was observed at Casa Velhas, Maio, on 30-31 December. Also on Maio, a captive Barn OwlTyto alba that was close to fledging on 1 January had been taken as a chick from a cave east of Morro and thus represented both the first record for the island and an addition to the breeding list.

March 2005 produced the following records. A male Magnificent Frigatebird was at Curral Velho, Boavista, on 4 March and an adult female flew over Sal Rei harbour on 22nd. The only remaining colony of Cape Verde Purple Heron Ardea (purpurea) bournei, in a single tree at Liberão, Santiago, had eight juveniles on 1 March; three juveniles were reported to have died in February (two were killed by children and one fell from the tree). On Boavista, a Purple HeronA. purpurea, apparently not of the form bournei, was at Rabil Lagoon on 23rd and 25th, whilst an adult Black-crowned Night HeronNycticorax nycticorax was in a riverbed upstream from Rabil on 26th. A male Green-winged Teal and a female Lesser ScaupAythya affinis were observed at Mindelo sewage ponds, São Vicente, on 13th. Resident raptors seen included Egyptian VultureNeophron percnopterus (an immature, three subadults and 1-2 adults at Sal Rei on 22nd), Cape Verde BuzzardButeo (buteo) bannermanni (one in Ribeira de Torres, near Vila de Ribeira Grande, Santo Antão, on 24th) and Cape Verde PeregrineFalco (peregrinus) madens (two at Mindelo sewage ponds, São Vicente on 16th). Single Gull-billed Terns (the same individual?) were seen on Boa Vista at Sal Rei harbour and Rabil lagoon on 22nd–26th, whilst a Little TernSterna albifrons was at Rabil lagoon on 26th. A single male Spanish SparrowPasser hispaniolensis at São Pedro airport on 13th was the only record on São Vicente; the species was not seen on Santo Antão, but was quite common on São Nicolau, Santiago and Boa Vista.

In August 2004, the endangered Cape Verde Warbler Acrocephalus brevipennis was discovered breeding on Fogo, where c30 territories were found in coffee plantation areas with scattered fruit trees. Previously, the species was known to breed on Santiago and São Nicolau only. The population on Santiago was estimated at 800-1,000 pairs, mostly in eucalyptus forest with dense undergrowth.

Records from December 2003 to March 2004 include the following. At least 800 Cattle Egrets Bubulcus ibis were counted at Mindelo sewage ponds roost, São Vicente on 30 March. A Western Reef Heron Egretta gularis was on Boa Vista on 22 March. At Liberão, Santiago, ten begging young Cape Verde Purple Herons Ardea (purpurea) bournei were counted on 27 February and one nest with begging young and several juveniles were still present on 10 March. On Santiago, up to three Cape Verde Buzzards Buteo (buteo) bannermani were regularly calling above São Jorge dos Orgãos in late February and early March and a pair was seen copulating at Serra de Malagueta on 25 February. At Mindelo sewage ponds, São Vicente, a Collared Pratincole Glareola pratincola stayed from December to 7 March at least, and an American Golden Plover Pluvialis dominica was seen on 7 March; a claim of a Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago on 30 March needs to be substantiated. At Pedra de Lume, Sal, four Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes were seen in late December 2003, with two still there on 3 March and one on 7 April. A Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularius was also there on 24 March.

In October 2003, the following sightings were made. A Bulwer’s Petrel Bulweria bulwerii was seen off Barril, São Nicolau on 23rd. A Red-billed Tropicbird Phaethon aethereus off Ponta do Sal, Boavista on 25th suggests that a population may still exist off this island. Also on Boavista on the same day, two Eurasian Spoonbills Platalea leucorodia were at Ribeira Grande; this is now a regular site for this species. Single Squacco Herons Ardeola ralloides near Chao Bom, Santiago on 19 and 20th and at Pedra Badeja Lagoon, Santiago on 20 October were apparently the fourth and fifth records for Cape Verde (see Hazevoet, C. J. 2003) Fifth report on birds from the Cape Verde Islands, including records of 15 taxa new to the archipelago. Arquivos do Museu Bocage Nova Série III (19): 503—528). At least three dark-morph Western Reef Herons Egretta gularis were seen near Tarrafal, Santiago on 19 and 20th; there are only two Cape Verde records before 1980 but more than 25 since then. The last remaining colony of Cape Verde Purple Herons Ardea (purpurea) bournei at Banana, Ribeira Montanha, Santiago, was very active on 18th, with c25 birds in attendance, including 8+ fully-feathered juveniles. A Common Teal Anas crecca at Pedra de Lume Salinas, Sal on 24th represents the first record for this island and the 8th for the archipelago. Three sightings of adult Egyptian Vultures Neophron percnopterus were made on Boavista on 25 October. A single Western Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus was seen on Raso on 21st; there are no Cape Verde records before 1980, but more than 20 since then. Three or four Cape Verde Buzzards Buteo (buteo) bannermani were observed near Pico da Antónia, Santiago on 19th; this inland population seems stable with up to five reported between 1999 and 2002. A Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris was seen on Boavista on 25th. Two Pectoral Sandpipers Calidris melanotos near Tarrafal, Santiago on 19 and 20th, and a Greater Yellowlegs T. melanoleuca also there on 19th, both constitute 2nd records for Santiago and for the Cape Verde Islands. Single Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes recorded near Tarrafal, Santiago on 19th, at Pedro da Lume Salinas, Sal, and near Santa Maria, Sal on 24th were the 5th to 7th for Cape Verde. Two Great Skuas Catharacta skua were swimming between Branco and São Nicolau on 22nd, and possibly the same two were seen off Barril, São Nicolau, the next day; these represent the 10th and 11th records for Cape Verde. A White Wagtail Motacilla alba at São Nicolau airport on 24th, and a Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe on Raso on 21st were both second records for the respective islands. At least four Blackcaps Sylvia atricapilla were singing along Ribeira Norte, Boavista on 25th; this species was first reported to breed on the island in 1996.

A dark morph Western Reef Heron Egretta gularis was photographed at Praia, Santiago, on 12 April 2003; although this species was only rarely recorded in the past, it appears to be a scarce but rather regular visitor to the archipelago, with c25 records since 1980. On the same day, an American Golden Plover Pluvialis dominica was also photographed at Praia; only one of the seven previous records is from Santiago.

Records from March 2002 include the following. At least 13-15 Cape Verde Purple Herons Ardea (purpurea) bournei were counted at Banana, Santiago, on 2nd. A Purple Heron Ardea purpurea was at Rabil Lagoon, Boavista, on 20th. A dark morph Western Reef Heron Egretta gularis was found at Praia, Santiago, on 3rd and 4th, an Intermediate Egret E. intermedia at Mindelo sewage ponds, São Vicente, on 15th and an immature Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia at Rabil Lagoon, Boavista, on 17th. A female Common Teal Anas crecca was seen at Mindelo sewage ponds on 11th and 15th. A female Western Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus was at Curral Velho, Boavista, on 18th and two females at Sal Rei island, Boavista, the next day. Two Cape Verde Buzzards Buteo (buteo) bannermani were videoed at Boa Entrada, Santiago, on 1st, and several on Santo Antão. Vagrant waders included three Red Knots Calidris canutus at Rabil Lagoon, Boavista, on 17th, a Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata at Curral Velho, Boavista, on 18th, a Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes at Pedra de Lume saltpans, Sal, on 20th, and a Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularia at Mindelo ponds, São Vicente, on 15th.

Records from a trip from 1 November to 5 December 2001 include the following. Eight Cape Verde Purple Herons Ardea (purpurea) bournei were counted at Banana, Santiago, on 9 November; about five of the 15 nests appeared occupied. A juvenile / female Common Teal Anas crecca was at Mindelo sewage ponds, São Vicente, on 3 November. A juvenile Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus was found near Tarrafal de Santiago on 2 December and a Eurasian Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus at Tarrafal de Santo Antão on 16 and 18 November. An American Golden Plover Pluvialis dominica and a Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago were at Mindelo ponds, São Vicente, on 14 November, and another Common Snipe G. gallinago at Tarrafal de Santiago on 2 December. A Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus flew alongside the ferry, c15 km north-west off Santiago on 5 November.

A Great White Pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus was photographed at Sal Rei Bay, Boavista, where it stayed for 2 to 3 days in July or August 2000, while another pelican Pelecanus sp. was found dead around the same time. An immature Great Spotted Cuckoo Clamator glandarius was also photographed on Boavista, at an as yet unknown date. Both records are the first for the Cape Verde Islands. Four Cape Verde Red Kites Milvus (milvus) fasciicauda were reportedly present on Boavista in July and August 2001; one was photographed. During the same period two more were said to be present on Maio, in the company of six Black Kites Milvus migrans and two possible hybrids.

Records from April 2001 included the following. On 16th, 185 Fea's Petrels Pterodroma feae were counted off Ponto do Sol, Santo Antão. A Sooty Shearwater Puffinus griseus was seen between Raso and São Nicolau on 12th. At least 10 pairs of Red-billed Tropicbirds Phaethon aethereus, found breeding at Tarafal, Santo Antão, on 17th, apparently constitutes a new colony. A dark morph Western Reef Heron Egretta gularis and two Intermediate Egrets E. intermedia were at Rabil Lagoon, Boavista, on 22nd. A drake Garganey Anas querquedula at Mindelo sewage ponds, São Vicente, on 14th to 18th, constitutes the first for the archipelago. Also there was an American Golden Plover Pluvialis dominica on 18th. A Spur-winged Lapwing Vanellus spinosus observed at Tarrafal, São Nicolau, on 11th, was another addition to the Cape Verde list. A Caspian Tern Sterna caspia and three Royal Terns S. maxima were at Rabil Lagoon, Boavista, on 22nd. Two more possible firsts were a Desert Lark Ammomanes deserti seen at Espargos, Sal, on 19th, and a Greater Short-toed Lark Calandrella brachydactyla at Barril, São Nicolau, on 11th to 13th. Two Red-rumped Swallows Hirundo daurica were on Branco, on 11th. A Red-throated Pipit Anthus cervinus was recorded at Barril, São Nicolau, on 13th. Eight Cape Verde Warblers Acrocephalus brevipennis were found singing at Ribeira da Prata, São Nicolau, on 13th.